The value of briefs to female barristers has fallen below levels recorded five years ago and well below targets, prompting the president of the country’s peak legal association to warn of a persistent gender pay gap problem.

The Law Council of Australia said its analysis showed just 22 per cent of the $1.8 billion in briefs over the past financial year went to female barristers. It has been targeting 30 per cent in a strategy announced nine years ago.